Bush pressures Senate on economic stimulus package
By BEN FELLER Associated Press Writer

KANSAS CITY (AP) - U.S. President George W. Bush is relying on the power of the presidency to get an economic deal done, a strategy proving tough with a Senate that fumes at being bullied.

Bush on Friday will again push to boost the sagging economy with a plan of tax rebates for millions of people and tax breaks for companies. His latest try comes as the fragile partnership that led to an economic recovery deal in the House appears to be unraveling in the Senate.

Bush planned to stop by the headquarters of Hallmark Cards Inc. to give his comments a real-life business context. It was his third such event in two weeks, including visits to a lawnmower plant in Maryland and a helicopter company in California.

The White House and Congress are eager to show they are doing something about the economy. The House quickly adopted a $161 billion economic stimulus plan this week that would send $600 to $1,200 rebates to more than 100 million Americans in hopes they would spend the money quickly and give the flagging economy a shot in the arm. Unemployment jumped in December to 5 percent and further weakening could intensify recession fears.

Senate Democrats are pushing to add elements to the House plan that they say will add a bigger boost, including rebates for older Americans and disabled veterans, and heating aid for the poor. The Senate plan also would extend unemployment benefits.

Bush's argument that the Senate should adopt the House package and get money into people's hands fast does not go over well in a chamber that says it has a role to play.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said Thursday that Democrats have spoken on how the package can be improved. He said their bill was on track to be completed by Feb. 15.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., warned that the proposed addons were troublesome. "The stimulus train is grinding to a halt here in the U.S. Senate," he said.

All parties have competing pressures - to get legislation done quickly, which is rarely done in Washington, and to manage to compromise when so many ideas are being championed.